Cumberland Lodge are taking bookings for our annual Student Christmas Conference, which will take place from Wednesday 17th – Friday 19th December 2025 at Cumberland Lodge, in the heart of Windsor Great Park.
Since 1947, we have extended a warm welcome to students from all over the world who are currently studying in the UK, inviting them to enjoy thought-provoking seminars and workshops, meet others who are studying away from home, and experience a British Christmas in our beautiful 17th-century home and surrounding park.
This year’s theme is - Beyond Borders: The Role of Festivals in Supporting Social Cohesion
Our interdisciplinary programme brings together students, guest speakers and facilitators to explore:
• What does social cohesion look like in a diverse society?
• How can we celebrate our differences without creating distance?
• How might our traditions inspire a future of coexistence, hope, and understanding?
Through dialogue, shared stories and reflection, we will consider how celebrations like Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah and Eid highlight common values of family, renewal, generosity, and belonging.
The conference also includes:
• A Christmas carol service at Cumberland Lodge
• A guided winter trail through Windsor Great Park (weather permitting)
• A traditional Christmas dinner, including a visit from Father Christmas
• Festive evening games and karaoke
• Opportunities to meet and network with students from across the world
We are delighted to announce this year’s guest speakers and facilitators:
• Dr Lindsay Simmonds, Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies, specialising in women in Biblical narrative, the Talmud and Jewish Law.
• Julie Siddiqi MBE, Founder and Director of Together We Thrive, a social enterprise empowering Muslim women and promoting diverse representation in media and public life.
• Dr Krish Kandiah OBE, Founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, which supports refugees and vulnerable children through community engagement, innovation, and advocacy.
• Prof Melissa Butcher, Programme Director at Cumberland Lodge
Delivery of the conference is subsidised by our charitable funds. Tickets include two nights’ accommodation, all meals and activities:
• Single occupancy room (en-suite): £300 per person
• Shared occupancy room (en-suite): £200 per person (please provide details for both occupants)
There are two ways for students to participate:
1. University-funded places booked directly through your institution and paid by university.
2. Self-funded tickets, available for purchase through our community engagement platform (QR code on the attached flyer).
Places are limited and fill up quickly, so we encourage early booking. Please reserve places by emailing programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk, confirming the number of spaces required and room preferences.
We will need the names and email addresses of attending students by Monday 1st December 2025. After this date, we will send registration forms directly to students and arrange university invoices once final numbers are confirmed.